The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is grappling with significant nuclear security challenges across two distinct global flashpoints. This includes a major discovery of previously undeclared nuclear material in Syria. Meanwhile, the critical situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine continues to escalate.
In Syria, IAEA staff unexpectedly found several metric tons of nuclear material at an unguarded location. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced this find in Damascus. The inspection took place on the IAEA’s own initiative and by invitation from the new Syrian interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Scharaa.
Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Assad al-Schaibani stated this material represented a “legacy of the former regime.” He added that it could have been misused and remained undetected for years. Samples have been collected, and the material is now under IAEA safeguards.
Historically, Syria officially denied any civilian or military nuclear program. However, in 2007, the Israeli Air Force destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor. This facility in Deir ez-Zor (al-Kibar) was later classified by the IAEA as very likely intended for military use, possibly with North Korean support.
Concurrently, a deadly drone attack struck a bus stop for Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant employees in Ukraine. The incident occurred early on August 18, around 6:00 a.m. It tragically killed at least one person and injured up to 17 others.
The plant manager, appointed by Russian forces, described this as the most serious direct impact on staff. Moscow accused the Ukrainian military of a targeted strike. Director General Grossi urgently called for an immediate halt to attacks on nuclear facilities and their personnel, stressing the immense threat to nuclear safety.
This attack follows a series of critical safety breaches at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. On August 8, the plant lost its connection to the external power grid for the 25th time since the conflict began. Emergency diesel generators were then activated to maintain vital cooling functions.
The main 750 kV power line has been severely damaged since March, leaving the plant connected to only one 330-kV backup line. To mitigate risks from power outages and fuel delivery issues, water levels in spent fuel pools have been raised. This measure aims to buy critical time if a total power failure occurs.
Moreover, the IAEA reports almost daily air raid alerts at other Ukrainian nuclear facilities, including the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant and Chornobyl. Unmanned drones have also been observed multiple times in exclusion zones.
IAEA Director General Grossi previously outlined five specific principles for nuclear facilities in conflict zones. These include preventing shelling, avoiding use as weapons depots, ensuring external power, protecting supply lines, and preventing sabotage. Even after shutdown, continuous electricity is crucial for cooling fuel assemblies. Human error risks also dramatically increase if operating personnel face stress or disrupted shifts.
